The Lazaretto Creek Bridge is one that I drive over quite regularly. It's situated between Tybee and Wilmington Islands, at the confluence of the Savannah River and the Atlantic. It's a busy little spot where shrimpers dock and where tourists rent kayaks and water skis.
The place was named Lazaretto Creek because this is where a lazarette, or quarantine station, was located. A nearby historical marker notes: "After the repeal of the anti-slavery provision in the Charter of the Colony of Georgia on 1749, an act permitting the importation of slaves ordered the erection of a Lazaretto (Quarantine Station) on Tybee Island. Not until 1767 were 104 acres purchased from Josiah Tattnall for this purpose. Completed the following year, the buildings were situated on the westernmost tip of Tybee, at the mouth of what soon became known as Lazaretto Creek. In its hospital voyagers who arrived ill were treated and those who died were buried in unmarked graves. After continuous use through the Revolution, the Grand Jury reported it in ruinous condition in 1785 and a new station was later erected on Cockspur Island."
I headed out early this morning to do this watercolor sketch, before the heat became too unbearable. The breeze kept things comfortable and it was actually a gorgeous morning to be out sketching.